Understanding the Needs and Wishes of Older Adults in Interprofessional Treatment for Malnutrition and Sarcopenia: A Grounded Theory Study

Sandra D Boxum,1,2,* Sabien H Van Exter,3,* Jan-Jaap Reinders,1,4,5 Hans Drenth,1,6,7 Manon GA Van den Berg,3 Michael Tieland,8,9 Anjo Geluk-Bleumink,10 Sophie LW Spoorenberg,11 Evelyn Finnema,12– 14 Philip J Van der Wees,2,15 Niek Koenders,15 Harriët Jager-Wittenaar1,3,16 1Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands; 2Science Department IQ Health, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; 3Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dietetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; 4Center for Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 5Research Group Interprofessional Education (IPE), Lifelong Learning, Education and Assessment Research Network (LEARN), Research Institute SHARE, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 6ZuidOostZorg, Organization for Elderly Care, Drachten, the Netherlands; 7Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 8Center of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Sports and Nutrition, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 9School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; 10Denktank 60+ Noord, Steenwijk, the Netherlands; 11Primary care group ‘Dokter Drenthe’, Assen, the Netherlands; 12Health Science-Nursing Science and Education, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 13Research Group Living, Wellbeing and Care for Older People, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; 14Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands; 15Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; 16Department of Physiotherapy and Human Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Research Unit Experimental Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Sandra D Boxum, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Petrus Driessenstraat 3, Groningen, CA, 9714, the Netherlands, Email [email protected]: Malnutrition and sarcopenia impact the physical health and quality of life of community-dwelling older adults. Managing these conditions requires integrating nutritional and exercise interventions delivered by professionals from diverse backgrounds. Interprofessional collaboration holds promise for providing integrated, person-centered care to older adults. However, to tailor such care, it is essential to understand the needs and wishes of older adults, which remain underexplored. This study aimed to understand the needs and wishes of community-dwelling older adults regarding interprofessional treatment for (risk of) malnutrition and sarcopenia.Methods: We conducted a grounded theory study. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups with community-dwelling older adults who are undergoing treatment or have been treated for (risk of) malnutrition and/or sarcopenia. We systematically analyzed the data using open, axial, and selective coding and developed a conceptual model.Results: Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 18 older adults. Three selective codes were identified: 1) older adults need to be involved in their interprofessional treatment, 2) older adults need healthcare professionals to be well-informed about their interprofessional treatment, and 3) older adults need collaboration amongst involved healthcare professionals in interprofessional treatment. Our conceptual model addresses the needs and wishes of older adults in relation to interprofessional collaboration. Older adults’ needs highlight what is missing, while their wishes offer ways to fulfill these needs.Conclusion: Older adults’ need for involvement in interprofessional treatment can be met by engaging them actively in healthcare decisions and as partners to healthcare professionals. The need for well-informed healthcare professionals can be fulfilled by ensuring accessible healthcare information, the prevention of conflicting advice, and the prevention of repeating medical history. Finally, the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals can be fulfilled by healthcare professionals communicating openly and directly and working closely together.Keywords: malnutrition, sarcopenia, community-dwelling, interprofessional collaboration, person-centered care